Trekking on the Island of Elba
Walking along Elba’s trails is like retracing the long history of its inhabitants: a journey into the past to discover ancient villages, prehistoric caves, Etruscan furnaces and forts. We’ll take you to visit the granite caves which have supplied columns and monuments since ancient Rome or the disused mines where iron has been mined in a succession of surreal colours, admiring scenery which allow you to relive the age of the Saracen raids, the battle fields, the fortifications and towns destroyed and now forgotten.
But the true charm of trekking on this island is the uniqueness and variety of its scenery, its colours and scents: within a few kilometres over 150 of the 200 known geological species (some of which are discovered for the first time right Elba) can be found, giving rise to different beaches, coastlines and landscapes: in a few hours’ walk you can admire the many varieties of flora passing from coastal vegetation through to the sandy or rocky beaches with the flowers and perfumes of rosemary, lavender, juniper, myrtle and arbutus to the typical Mediterranean vegetation like oak, chestnut and conifer woods, which rise to the very peak of the mount Capanne Massif. It is suffice to say that there are over 40 species of orchids, some of which native. Walking on Elba you’ll both discover and learn this and more…
The Island of Elba by Sea Kayak.
If not at Elba then where? Elba with its 147km of indented rocky coastline, stunning caves and coves, small bays, it is the ideal place for enthusiasts or for those who want to practice sea canoeing. The emotions that this island can give are unique and unrepeatable as are the variety of landscapes you will encounter in the silence of navigation. Paddling on the clear waters where your kayak seems suspended between sea and sky you’ll see white pebble beaches and coastlines in tropical hues, golden beaches, granite cliffs, a landscape where the green vegetation seems to dive into the blue sea. In the crevices and corners of the exclusive coast accessible only by sea.
You can approach cormorants and marangons, splendid, friendly and curious royal sea gulls or the smaller Corsican sea gull. The Kayaks of the ‘Viottolo’ excursion center are designed for sea excursions and equipped with watertight compartments in order to bring on board camera equipment, luggage, tents and sleeping bags for longer trips.
SPECIAL SPORT & NATURE
For your holiday this summer, not just sea, beach and leisure: you will have the opportunity to participate in some sports activities in close contact with nature and the sea on the island. Suggestive excursions trekking, kayaking and snorkelling will start and will take place at locations in and around our hotels, the nearby beaches, the beach of Marina di Campo and the most characteristic trails which are easy and fun, adapt for all ages. In cooperation with the guides of the environmental center hiking ‘Il Viottolo’, you will be able to, from time to time, devote a good half a day on the most spectacular trails and the most beautiful beaches… walking, swimming and paddling whilst immersed in the pure, and immaculate nature, full of life and charm just waiting to be discovered.
For any details, cost and information please, ask the reception of the Hotel!